Clark is charged with three counts of murder and a count of arson for the June 12 deaths of Sacramento residents Roland Lowe, 15, his mother Colleen Lowe, 46, and Richard Jones Jr., 17.

The judge also appointed a doctor to evaluate Clark and determine if he is able to understand the proceedings and would be able to assist in his own defense.

The doctor is scheduled to report back by Nov. 12.

Clark had been scheduled for a preliminary examination Wednesday. Had the hearing proceeded, the judge would have heard evidence and determined if there was probable cause to hold Clark for trial on the charges.

If the defendant is convicted of the charges and the special circumstance of multiple homicide, he may be sentenced to death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The prosecution has alleged that Clark fired a 12-gauge pump shotgun at the three victims as they approached his residence on the 14000 block of Centerville Road. Clark has reportedly told a friend he was afraid of the group after a falling out with Jones last year.

After the shooting, Clark allegedly placed the bodies in their vehicle — a reportedly stolen green 2000 Acura TL — and set it afire on the Skyway between DeSabla and Stirling City.

The fire was extinguished by firefighters after 12:15 a.m. June 13 and the bodies were found during the subsequent investigation.